Withdrawal of TVNZ OnDemand for older devices

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Ouranos

118 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 41

#190688 8-Jan-2016 20:58

From 15 February the TVNZ OnDemand app will be withdrawn from 2011 Samsung TVs and other older devices. The primary reason appears to be that TVNZ will require all users to login, but the old app does not support that "feature".
More information at http://tvnz.co.nz/od1-shutdown/changes-your-tvnz-ondemand-experience-6412172

I don't use OnDemand often, but now it seems that I won't be able to use it at all as I have one of those older Samsung TVs.

gzt

18679 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 7809

Lifetime subscriber

#1466209 8-Jan-2016 21:06

This is unfortunate. You would expect some legacy support for older models given the partnership with Samsung. But there may be more to it than simple login support. Ie; better compression, encryption and security requirements the old o/s cannot meet. /speculation.

robjg63

4161 posts

Uber Geek
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Subscriber

#1466227 8-Jan-2016 21:42

Demand 5 in the UK did the same thing a month or so ago and dropped the Samsung 2011 and older models.

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

engedib

254 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 93

#1466260 8-Jan-2016 22:29

I used quite a bit and it was pretty good. A shame that they drop the support of older devices, but I won't buy a new TV just for this..

MCSE+M/S, MCITP

Regs

4066 posts

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Trusted

Snowflake

#1466262 8-Jan-2016 22:34

on the plus side, there is now a TVNZ OnDemand app released for Windows 10!

https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9nblggh69jzz

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mattwnz

20515 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 4795

#1466286 9-Jan-2016 00:20

The windows app is pretty buggy. Sees to get stuck on the adverts over the top of the program picture. Also look pretty resolution when compared to UK online channels. Looks like it is 480p?

Apsattv

2452 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 724

#1466303 9-Jan-2016 01:42

umm? info is from last year year. Or did they screwup the date?

Unfortunately, as of Monday 15 February 2015, we will no longer be able to support the original version of TVNZ OnDemand. If you’re watching shows on the original version of TVNZ OnDemand on your 2011 Samsung TV or other device, you’ll need to switch to a compatible device.

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Ouranos

118 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 41

#1466314 9-Jan-2016 06:58

Apsattv: umm? info is from last year year. Or did they screwup the date?

Yes, I noticed that. The link from the app is broken too. Generally sloppy all round. I think they meant Monday 15 February 2016, as 15 February is a Monday this year (not last) and the OnDemand app still currently works. They also introduced the compulsory login at about this time last year, which is consistent with what they're now saying.

As an alternative, I tried using the TV's browser to access the OnDemand website. It doesn't work - simply displays an entirely blank page.

The "smart" features of the SmartTV were always a bit clunky, especially the browser. I suppose that is to be expected with a relatively new technology. Still, the lack of consistency and standards across various devices will mean we see more of this type of obsolescence as the technology evolves.